The overall objective of the programme is to promote inclusive and sustainable development through international trade. It offers analysis and advice and seeks to build consensus, strengthen capacity and promote partnerships for trade policy, trade negotiations, trade in goods and services, competition law and consumer protection, and managing issues arising at the intersection of trade, the environment and climate change.

Only 8% of the value created by international supply chains flows to 100-plus developing countries, analysis by UNCTAD suggests, placing the role of "global value chains" in developing countries' strategies among discussions to be held at UNCTAD’s upcoming Global Commodities Forum.

Inequality between men and women in Africa leads to economic inefficiency and under-performance, UNCTAD and World Bank experts said at an event examining the role of women in trade and development on the continent.